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Firefighting Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation.  Wherever we operate, we build vertically ... What You'll bring * Extensive KC-135 flight experience and instructor/evaluator background.

... firefighting and more time building. Trusted by 200,000+ organizations, Sentry is today ... Create and deliver an instructor-led training curriculum that would inspire customers to use our ...

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Firefighting Instructor information

See California salary details

$33.1K

$58.8K

$117.4K

How much do firefighting instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighting instructor in California is $58,780.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,400.00 and $64,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Firefighting Instructor vs Firefighter?

AspectFirefighting InstructorFirefighter
CertificationsFirefighting certification, instructor certificationFirefighting certification, EMT certification often required
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, classrooms, on-site trainingFire scenes, emergency response, fire stations
Primary RoleTeach firefighting techniques, safety protocols, and training programsRespond to fires, rescue operations, emergency response

While both roles require firefighting certifications, Firefighting Instructors focus on training and educating others in fire safety and techniques, often working in classrooms or training facilities. Firefighters, on the other hand, are primarily involved in responding to emergencies and fighting fires in the field. The two roles are interconnected but serve different functions within the fire service industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Firefighting Instructors when training new recruits?

Firefighting Instructors often encounter challenges such as adapting training methods to suit recruits with varying experience levels and physical abilities. Ensuring safety during realistic, hands-on drills is a top priority and requires constant vigilance. Additionally, instructors must keep recruits engaged and motivated while teaching both technical skills and critical decision-making under pressure. Balancing administrative duties, such as developing curriculum and maintaining training records, alongside practical instruction is also a key aspect of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Firefighting Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Firefighting Instructor, you need extensive firefighting experience, relevant fire science certifications, and comprehensive knowledge of fire safety protocols. Familiarity with training simulators, instructional technology, and certification programs such as NFPA Instructor I or II is typically required. Strong communication, leadership, and mentoring abilities distinguish outstanding instructors in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively training future firefighters, ensuring safety, and maintaining high professional standards.

What are Firefighting Instructors?

Firefighting Instructors are professionals who teach and train individuals in the skills and knowledge needed for firefighting and emergency response. They design and lead courses on fire safety, rescue techniques, hazardous materials handling, and the use of firefighting equipment. Instructors often have significant field experience as firefighters themselves and use real-world scenarios to prepare trainees for emergencies. Their role is crucial in ensuring that firefighting personnel are well-prepared, safe, and effective when responding to fires and other incidents.
What are popular job titles related to Firefighting Instructor jobs in California? For Firefighting Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

$175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Company Overview

Metrea delivers effects-as-a-service to national security partners across five domains and more than a dozen mission areas—including airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special mission aviation, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. 

Wherever we operate, we build vertically integrated full stacks of capability—designing, building, and operating turnkey solutions that let customers scale capacity while benefiting from continuous cycles of innovation. With operators and engineers under one roof, we close the gap between lab and field—what we call connecting design with effect. 

Metrea’s solutions are built for elegance: effective, efficient, and evolving. This approach enables our partners to do more with less and achieve outsized, asymmetric advantage against rapidly evolving threats. 

Headquartered in Washington, DC, Metrea has facilities across the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond.

This role sits within the Air Mobility area of Metrea.

Air Mobility Group (AIRMOB) is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea’s aerial refueling (AAR) capabilities, ensuring the readiness and operational effectiveness of the tanker fleet. AIRMOB oversees fleet management, maintenance, and airworthiness, working to sustain and enhance refueling operations. It manages the integration of new processes and technologies, ensuring that tanker aircraft remain mission-ready through effective logistics, maintenance oversight, and regulatory compliance. By coordinating across various teams, AIRMOB ensures the fleet meets both current and future operational needs, supporting a range of specialized air mobility missions. 


Position Summary

In this role you will be responsible for developing and delivering comprehensive navigator training programs for KC-135 operations. This role ensures compliance with aviation regulations, oversees simulator and flight training, and mentors instructor navigators to maintain the highest standards of safety and proficiency. Additionally, you will provide ground and inflight instruction aboard the C-135FR aircraft.



What You’ll Do
• Design and implement initial, recurrent, and specialized navigator training programs.

• Ensure compliance with FAA, ICAO, and company standards.

• Conduct instruction in the aircraft.

• Conduct evaluations and audits to maintain training effectiveness.

• Mentor and supervise instructor navigators.

• Manage flight training resources and stay current with advancements in aviation training and technology.

• Integrate SMS and risk management practices into training.


What You’ll bring


  • Extensive KC-135 flight experience and instructor/evaluator background.
  • Strong organizational and leadership skills.
  • Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
  • Familiarity with LMS and training software.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications


  • Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management or related field or equivalent experience.
  • Previous military Instructor and Evaluator certification for KC-135.
  • Valid Driver’s License and Passport.
  • Ability to maintain Secret clearance.


Our Firmware

At Metrea, our single core value, Rooted in Humility, and our four cornerstone attributes—Entrepreneurial, Systematic, Discerning, and Over-Deliver. These form what we call our Teammate Firmware. Just like technical firmware connects software and hardware, our Firmware is the constant interface between our mission and our people. It defines how we show up, how we work together, and how we solve complex problems.

Our team Firmware creates a web-like, hyper-collaborative, dynamically hierarchical way of working that helps us adapt quickly, communicate openly, and distribute decision-making to where expertise actually lives. It enables groups to self-organize around hard problems, shift fluidly as priorities evolve, and operate with the trust, curiosity, and discipline required in a complex mission space. This foundation allows us to deliver elegant, effective solutions and uphold our purpose: protecting our precious inheritance.


Benefits

Comprehensive medical plan options

HSA/FSA accounts

Dental and vision coverage

6% employer 401(k) match

Fully paid parental leave for all new parents

Generous PTO

Life and disability insurance
Long-term and Short-term disability coverage

AD&D Coverage

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Subsidized gym membership / plans through Wellhub


Work Authorization / Security Clearance

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
This position requires eligibility to obtain a Secret clearance.

Candidates will be subject to a background investigation in accordance with federal requirements.

Role may require adherence to export control regulations (ITAR/EAR).



AAP/EEO Statement

This Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.


Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time exempt position with typical working hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours and work shifts may change in accordance with department and business needs. Exempt Employees must have the ability to be on-call and available, as business needs require.


Work Location

Temecula and Moreno Valley, CA


Work Environment

This job operates in an office setting and aboard an inflight C-135FR aircraft. 


Travel

30%